Flexible all-in-one bag

Abstract

A flexible bag includes a front wall and a rear wall that are sealed together at their longitudinal side edges. A lower end of the bag is closed, while an upper end of the bag forms a mouth that can be repeatably opened and closed. A flexible wire is embedded in each of the sealed side edges and extends along the length of the bag. After inserting one or more items in the bag, either side of the upper end of the bag is clasped and the bag is rotated around an axis parallel with the bag upper end in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Rotation of the bag in this manner causes the wires and the material in which they are embedded to coil around the axis and seal the upper end of the bag. Tabs that are formed during this process can then be bent upward and connected together to form a handle which can then be heat sealed. In this manner, the bag cannot be opened until the seal is broken.

We claim:  
     
       1. A flexible bag comprising: 
       front and rear walls that are sealed together at opposite longitudinally extending side seams;  
       a closed lower end extending between the side seams;  
       an upper end formed by the front and rear walls between the side seams, the upper end being adapted for opening and closing;  
       a wire embedded in and extending longitudinally along each side seam; and  
       a pair of tabs formed by rotating the bag around an axis parallel to the bag upper end in one of a clockwise and counterclockwise direction such that the upper end is rolled about itself to thereby close the upper end, with the tabs being bent toward each other in overlapping relation and heat sealed to thereby form a handle that extends from the upper end and prevent opening of the bag.  
     
     
       2. A flexible bag according to  claim 1 , wherein the wires are coiled at least in the vicinity of the tabs during rotation of the bag around the axis. 
     
     
       3. A flexible bag according to  claim 1 , wherein the front and rear walls are integrally formed from a single sheet of material.